Chelsea Needham

Fiddle / Penny Whistle

Chelsea Needham grew up as a classically trained violinist and violist, with exposure to many genres of fiddling and folk music starting at a young age. As a teen Chelsea became a frequent competitor in fiddle competitions placing ‘Grand Champion’ at the Pocono Bluegrass Festival, New England Fiddle Fest, Lyons Fiddle Contest, Lake Champlain Bluegrass Festival, New Jersey State Fair, Pennsylvania State Old Time Competition, Podunk Bluegrass Festival, Celtic Classic, and dozens of others.

Chelsea felt particularly drawn towards Scottish fiddling and culture after going on a Scotland/England tour with the Strawberry Hill Fiddlers. Surrounding that trip Chelsea built and maintained relationships with many local musicians, allowing her to return to Scotland two more times. In that time, she studied with master fiddler James Alexander, became an honorary member of the Fochabers Fiddlers, formed a band with local Scottish musicians, and was welcomed as a performer to the esteemed music festival, Speyfest.

Chelsea traveled to India in 2022 with Livia and Bill to work with the children at the Aikiyam school. She has enjoyed getting to know these children, and has continued to maintain and build on the relationships she developed while in India. Chelsea is passionate about passing on old tunes and traditions to the next generations, and is the director of the all star teen fiddle group: the Strawberry Hill Fiddlers.